Gesamtskala

Gesamtskala is a term used in psychometrics and survey research to denote the total score derived from summing or averaging all items of a questionnaire or test that are intended to measure a single construct. The Gesamtskala represents an overall level of the underlying trait, in contrast to subscales that capture separate facets of the construct.

Construction and scoring typically involve items on a Likert or similar rating scale. Scores are summed or averaged across items, with reverse scoring applied where necessary. When items use different formats or scales, transformations or standardization may be employed to place responses on a common metric. In some instruments, the Gesamtskala is presented with standardized or norm-based scores to aid interpretation.

Psychometric considerations focus on reliability and validity. The reliability of a Gesamtskala is assessed through internal consistency measures such as Cronbach’s alpha. If the item set is multidimensional, the justification for a single total score may be weak, and techniques like factor analysis or bifactor models are used to determine whether a general factor supports a total score.

Interpretation and use center on what the score indicates about the overall trait. A higher Gesamtskala score typically signals a higher level of the underlying construct, with interpretation grounded in the instrument’s validation studies and, when available, normative data. The Gesamtskala is often used in conjunction with subscale scores to provide both an overall and facet-specific view.

Relation to other concepts: Subscales measure specific aspects, while the Gesamtskala aggregates across items and can obscure heterogeneity if the construct is not strictly unidimensional. Some instruments report both a Gesamtskala and separate subscale scores for a fuller assessment.